Provided is a radiation imaging apparatus, including: a plurality of pixels configured to output image signals corresponding to radiation; an image signal line configured to output the image signals; and a detection signal line configured to output a detection signal for detection of irradiation of the radiation, in which at least one of the plurality of pixels includes: a conversion element configured to convert the radiation into charge; a first switch configured to output the image signal corresponding to the charge via the image signal line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the first electrode is electrically connected to the conversion element to store the charge; and a second switch configured to electrically connect the second electrode and the detection signal line.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising: a plurality of pixels configured to output image signals corresponding to radiation; an image signal line configured to output the image signals; and a detection signal line configured to output a detection signal for detection of irradiation of the radiation, wherein at least one of the plurality of pixels comprises: a conversion element configured to convert the radiation into charge; a first switch configured to output the image signal corresponding to the charge via the image signal line; a storage capacitor including a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the first electrode is electrically connected to the conversion element to store the charge; and a second switch configured to electrically connect the second electrode and the detection signal line.
This invention relates to radiation imaging, specifically improving the detection of radiation exposure. A radiation imaging apparatus is described that uses multiple pixels to generate image signals in response to radiation. Each pixel includes a radiation-to-charge conversion element, such as a photodiode, that generates an electrical charge when struck by radiation. This charge is stored on a storage capacitor. A first switch connects the conversion element and the storage capacitor to an image signal line, allowing the image signal (representing the accumulated charge) to be read out and used to form an image. Crucially, the system incorporates a detection mechanism by including a second switch that electrically connects the second electrode of the storage capacitor to a dedicated detection signal line. This detection signal line indicates whether or not a pixel has been exposed to radiation. By connecting the capacitor's second electrode, the charge stored can potentially be dumped or monitored through the detection line to provide a separate irradiation detection signal. This allows for a more sensitive and immediate indication of radiation exposure beyond simply reading out the image signals.
2. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein another pixel different from the at least one of the plurality of pixels includes the conversion element and the first switch.
Radiation imaging, such as X-ray or gamma-ray imaging, requires detectors to convert radiation into measurable signals. A common approach uses a pixelated array, where each pixel contains a conversion element (e.g., a scintillator or semiconductor) that interacts with the radiation and generates charge carriers. A switch in each pixel is used to selectively read out the generated charge. To improve image quality and sensitivity, this invention describes a radiation imaging apparatus comprising a plurality of pixels. Each pixel in the array includes at least: a conversion element for converting radiation into charge; and a first switch, responsive to a control signal, configured to selectively transfer charge from the conversion element for readout. Another pixel, which is distinct from the first pixel, also comprises the conversion element and the first switch. Thus, multiple pixels in the radiation imaging apparatus are equipped with both a conversion element and a switch for charge readout.
3. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged in matrix, and the detection signal line is provided separately from the image signal line, wherein the first switches of pixels arranged in one column of the plurality of pixels are electrically connected in common to the image signal line, and wherein the second switches of the pixels arranged in the one column are electrically connected in common to the detection signal line.
This radiation imaging apparatus relates to the field of medical imaging and non-destructive testing, specifically addressing the challenge of improved signal detection in radiation detectors. The apparatus comprises a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix format to detect radiation. Each pixel generates both an image signal and a detection signal. Critically, the image signal and the detection signal are read out via separate signal lines. Within each column of pixels, first switches within each pixel are electrically connected in common to a dedicated image signal line. Second switches within each pixel are electrically connected in common to a dedicated detection signal line. This separation of image and detection signal pathways, achieved through separate switches and signal lines organized column-wise, is designed to minimize interference and improve the overall signal-to-noise ratio of the radiation imaging apparatus.
4. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising: a first readout unit configured to read out signals from the detection signal line; and a second readout unit configured to read out signals from the image signal line.
Radiation imaging apparatuses are used to detect radiation and create images. A common challenge is accurately capturing and processing signals from radiation detectors to produce high-resolution images. This apparatus improves signal readout. The radiation imaging apparatus comprises a radiation detector including a detection signal line and an image signal line. The apparatus also includes a first readout unit configured to read out signals from the detection signal line, and a second readout unit configured to read out signals from the image signal line. This design allows simultaneous or separate processing of signals from two distinct signal lines within the detector. By using a first readout unit for the detection signal line and a second readout unit for the image signal line, the apparatus can potentially improve the speed, accuracy, and dynamic range of the radiation image acquisition process, leading to higher quality images.
5. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 4 , further comprising: a first drive line connected in common to the first switches of pixels arranged in one row of the plurality of pixels; a second drive line connected in common to the second switches of the pixels arranged in the one row; a first drive unit electrically connected to the first drive line; and a second drive unit electrically connected to the second drive line.
This invention relates to radiation imaging, specifically improving readout control in radiation detectors. The problem addressed is efficient and coordinated activation of pixel switching elements in a radiation imaging apparatus. The radiation imaging apparatus includes an array of radiation sensing pixels. Each pixel comprises a first switch and a second switch. Pixels are arranged in rows. A first drive line is connected to the first switch of each pixel in one row of the array. A second drive line is connected to the second switch of each pixel in the same row. A first drive unit is electrically connected to the first drive line, providing a signal to control the first switches in the row. A second drive unit is electrically connected to the second drive line, providing a signal to control the second switches in the row. This arrangement allows for independent control of the two switches within each pixel on the row via the separate drive lines and drive units. The two drive units can activate the first and second switches simultaneously, sequentially or with arbitrary timing relationship.
6. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5 , further comprising a control unit configured to control the first drive unit, the second drive unit, the first readout unit, and the second readout unit.
The invention relates to radiation imaging, specifically addressing the need for automated control of components within a radiation imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes a radiation source, a first radiation detector, a second radiation detector, a first drive unit for positioning the first radiation detector, and a second drive unit for positioning the second radiation detector. The first radiation detector is operatively coupled to a first readout unit, which extracts signals. Similarly, the second radiation detector is operatively coupled to a second readout unit, which extracts signals. To improve the efficiency and precision of operation, the radiation imaging apparatus includes a control unit. This control unit is configured to automatically coordinate the operation of the first drive unit, the second drive unit, the first readout unit, and the second readout unit. The control unit ensures synchronized and optimized movement of the detectors and data acquisition, thus streamlining the overall imaging process.
7. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the first drive unit, the second drive unit, and the second readout unit so that the second readout unit reads out the signals from the image signal line in a state in which at least a part of a conduction period of the second switch overlaps a conduction period of the first switch.
The invention relates to radiation imaging, specifically improving signal readout in radiation detectors. The problem addressed is minimizing image artifacts and improving signal fidelity in radiation imaging apparatus employing both a first and second readout. The radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detector, a first drive unit, a second drive unit, a first readout unit, a second readout unit, a first switch, and a second switch. The first drive unit drives a first set of image signal lines within the detector, and the first readout unit reads signals from those lines. The second drive unit drives a second set of image signal lines and the second readout unit reads signals from those lines. The first switch controls signal transmission from the first set of image signal lines to the first readout unit. The second switch controls signal transmission from the second set of image signal lines to the second readout unit. A control unit coordinates the operation of these components. Critically, the control unit is configured to control the first and second drive units and the second readout unit so that the signal readout by the second readout unit overlaps with the signal readout by the first readout unit. At least a portion of the time the second switch is conducting (allowing signal transmission from the second set of image signal lines) occurs at the same time that the first switch is also conducting (allowing signal transmission from the first set of image signal lines). This overlap in conduction periods aims to improve signal collection and reduce artifacts.
8. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the second drive unit and the first readout unit so that the first readout unit resets a potential of the detection signal line, then reads out a first signal from the detection signal line in a non-conductive state of the second switch, and then reads out a second signal from the detection signal line in a conductive state of the second switch.
This radiation imaging apparatus relates to reducing noise in radiation detectors. The apparatus includes a radiation detector, a first readout unit, a second switch, a second drive unit, and a control unit. The radiation detector generates a detection signal on a detection signal line in response to radiation. The first readout unit reads out the detection signal. The second switch, controlled by the second drive unit, selectively connects the detection signal line to a reference potential. The control unit minimizes noise by orchestrating the following sequence: first, the first readout unit resets the potential of the detection signal line. Second, with the second switch in a non-conductive state (isolating the detection signal line from the reference potential), the first readout unit reads a first signal from the detection signal line. Third, with the second switch in a conductive state (connecting the detection signal line to the reference potential), the first readout unit reads a second signal from the detection signal line. This sequence allows for correlated double sampling or a similar technique to subtract out noise and improve image quality.
9. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a signal processing unit configured to compute a difference between a signal based on the first signal and a signal based on the second signal.
Radiation imaging, such as X-ray or gamma ray imaging, is used to visualize internal structures. This innovation improves radiation imaging apparatus. The apparatus captures two signals during an imaging process: a first signal and a second signal. A signal processing unit within the radiation imaging apparatus calculates the difference between a signal derived from the first signal and a signal derived from the second signal. This difference calculation enhances image contrast or reduces noise, leading to improved image quality compared to using only one signal. The first and second signals could represent different energy levels of radiation, signals from different detectors, or signals captured at different times. By processing the difference between these signals, the apparatus is able to emphasize specific features of interest in the image while suppressing unwanted background information.
10. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the second drive unit and the first readout unit so that the first readout unit resets a potential of the detection signal line, then reads out a first signal from the detection signal line in a non-conductive state of the second switch, then reads out a second signal from the detection signal line in the non-conductive state of the second switch, then resets the potential of the detection signal line, then reads out a third signal from the detection signal line in the non-conductive state of the second switch, and then reads out a fourth signal from the detection signal line in the conductive state of the second switch.
Radiation imaging apparatuses acquire images by detecting radiation. This apparatus aims to improve image quality by reducing noise and artifacts. The apparatus incorporates a detector, a first readout unit, a second drive unit connected to a switch, and a control unit. The control unit coordinates the second drive unit and the first readout unit to perform a specific sequence of signal acquisitions and resets. The control unit executes the following steps: First, the potential of the detection signal line is reset by the first readout unit. Then, a first signal is read from the detection signal line while the second switch is in a non-conductive state (open). A second signal is read from the detection signal line while the second switch remains in a non-conductive state. Next, the potential of the detection signal line is reset again. Subsequently, a third signal is read from the detection signal line while the second switch is in a non-conductive state. Finally, a fourth signal is read from the detection signal line while the second switch is in a conductive state (closed). This specific sequence of resets and signal readings, coordinated with the switch state, is designed to reduce noise and improve the accuracy of the radiation image.
11. A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising a signal processing unit configured to compute a difference between a signal based on the first signal and a signal based on the second signal as a fifth signal, compute a difference between a signal based on the third signal and a signal based on the fourth signal as a sixth signal, and compute a difference between the fifth signal and the sixth signal.
Radiation imaging systems often suffer from noise and artifacts that degrade image quality. This invention improves image quality in a radiation imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes a radiation detector that generates first, second, third, and fourth signals responsive to received radiation. A signal processing unit is configured to improve image clarity through signal differencing. Specifically, the signal processing unit calculates a fifth signal by subtracting a signal derived from the second signal from a signal derived from the first signal. It calculates a sixth signal by subtracting a signal derived from the fourth signal from a signal derived from the third signal. Finally, it calculates a final output signal by subtracting the sixth signal from the fifth signal. This cascaded differencing scheme reduces common-mode noise and enhances subtle features in the radiation image, leading to higher contrast and improved diagnostic accuracy. The differencing operations can be implemented using analog or digital signal processing techniques.
12. A radiation imaging system, comprising: the radiation imaging apparatus of claim 1 ; and a radiation source configured to irradiate radiation.
The technology relates to radiation imaging systems, specifically addressing the need for improved devices for medical imaging, industrial inspection, or security screening. The radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation source. The radiation imaging apparatus detects and visualizes radiation. It comprises a scintillator, an optical fiber bundle, and a photosensor array. The scintillator converts incident radiation (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays) into visible light photons. This light is then transmitted through an optical fiber bundle, which guides the light from the scintillator to the photosensor array. The photosensor array detects the light and generates electrical signals corresponding to the intensity and spatial distribution of the radiation. The photosensor array is configured to resolve the incident radiation with high spatial resolution. Readout circuitry associated with the photosensor array captures the electrical signals, and a processor uses these signals to reconstruct an image representing the radiation distribution. The system also incorporates a radiation source. The radiation source emits radiation (e.g. X-rays, gamma-rays) to irradiate an object or area to be imaged. The radiation source is configured to provide controllable radiation intensity and duration. The radiation source and the radiation imaging apparatus are arranged such that radiation emitted by the source passes through the object/area and is then detected by the imaging apparatus, producing an image representing the radiation transmission or emission properties of the object/area.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention.
March 17, 2016
September 4, 2018
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